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Fuji Five Lakes

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Fuji Five Lakes

The Fuji Five Lakes, or Fujigoko (富士五湖), are a group of five lakes located at the northern base of Mt. Fuji in Japan. The five lakes are Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Saiko, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu. They are a popular tourist destination known for their beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational activities.

Each of the lakes has its own unique features and attractions.

  • Lake Kawaguchiko: The most developed and tourist-oriented of the five lakes, with many hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It offers activities like boat cruises, paddle boating, and visiting hot springs, museums, and art galleries.
  • Lake Yamanaka: The highest and largest of the five lakes, known for its cool summers and ice fishing in winter. It features campgrounds, vacation homes, museums, and the Hananomiyako Flower Park.
  • Lake Saiko: The quietest and most natural of the five lakes, popular for camping, canoeing, and fishing. The Aokigahara Jukai Forest is also located nearby.
  • Lake Shoji: The smallest of the five lakes, surrounded by primeval forest. Its view of Mt. Fuji is called “Kodaki Fuji” (child-holding Fuji) and is popular among photographers.
  • Lake Motosu: The deepest of the five lakes, known for its high transparency and water sports like diving and canoeing. It also has campgrounds and hot spring facilities. It is famous for being depicted on the back of the 1,000 yen bill.

In addition to the lakes, the Fuji Five Lakes area offers various attractions, including hot springs, museums, amusement parks, and outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing, depending on the season.

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Getting there

By Train

From Tokyo:

  1. Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station
  2. Transfer to the Fuji Kyuko Line to Kawaguchiko Station
  • Total journey time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Cost: Around 3,530 yen
  • “Fuji Excursion” Limited Express:
  • Direct train from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station
  • Journey time: 1 hour 52 minutes
  • Cost: 4,130 yen
  • Operates 5 times daily

By Bus

From Shinjuku Bus Terminal:

  • Direct buses to Kawaguchiko Station
  • Journey time: About 2 hours
  • Cost: 2,200 yen (2,000 yen if purchased online)
  • Frequency: About two buses per hour

From Tokyo Station:

  • Direct buses to Kawaguchiko Station
  • Journey time: About 2 hours
  • Cost: 2,200 yen
  • Frequency: 1-2 buses per hour
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